Saturday, February 16, 2013

Almakkiyah: Angawi House


Angawi House is the current residence of famed local Jeddah architect Dr. Sami Angawi.  It is a study of western Saudi Arabia's traditional Hijazi architecture.



The interior of the home is not decorated with expensive museum pieces but is instead filled with ordinary functional and traditional decor.


The variety of materials utilized in the construction and finishing of the home is astonishing.  Angawi is a master at combining materials, textures, and shapes.  Many of the home's objects are quite old, such as a 300 year old carved door at the entrance.

The heart of the home is a beautifully aqua blue tiled indoor swimming pool, the bottom of which is a mosaic tile pattern that looks like a Persian carpet.  This inner courtyard is surrounded by rich carved wood on multiple levels and hanging plants.


Also used throughout the home are stained glass, arches, and colored lighting.  Pillows, carpets, and varied accessories complete the finishing touches in every room of the house. 


Intricately carved wooden architectural details and Moroccan style lamps are just some of the features that all work together to make this home very special. 

There is none of the stiffness and formal pretentiousness that I have seen in some households here in Saudi Arabia.  Instead the home is warm, welcoming, and comfortable. 


Angawi designed the house to fully take advantage of the prevailing winds in Jeddah, which naturally flow from the north and the west, to keep the air stream circulating throughout the entire house much of the year.  This cuts down on the need for air conditioning in this hot climate. 


The living space in this home is maximized and made good use of, with nooks and crannies used for built in seating areas, planters, and even a rooftop garden.

The entire house is a visual treat which is layered with magnificent colors, patterns, and designs featuring geometrics, florals, and Arabic calligraphy.


Angawi graciously opens his amazing home to visitors mainly arranged through special group tours. 




For more information about Angawi House, email:    info@amarcenter.me

27 comments:

  1. Wow, I love it. Its gorgeous! Especially the outside. MashAllah

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  2. I have to admit I have always like this type of design. There is sense of beauty, a feel of home and warmth to it without be overly done.

    Very welcoming place to live as far as the home is concerned. :)

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    1. And what makes you think it isn't overly done? An example of living in great omat'ol Allah, living in fancy houses while poor dies in Africa, shame on you. Is there any good teaching in Islam that people actually practice?!!

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    2. Unknown - People are entitled to their own opinions. Some may think it is not overdone and others may think it is. It's a matter of perspective based on your own personal experiences. Don't come one my blog here and start shaming someone for making a perfectly nice comment. Shame on YOU for being as ass!

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    3. Do they need a live in maid

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  3. this is a piece of beauty. thnx for sharing.

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  4. Overwhelming beauty Susie. I see some elements of the Arab influence in Spanish decor, even to some shapes and patterns in my own house. But this home is such a feast for the eyes that I'm sure you had an enjoyable visit there. Photos are beautiful. And thanks for your visit. I'll be back there very soon. Sharon.

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    1. Hi Sharon - Great to hear from you. I know where you live, there is lots of Arab influence. I'd love to visit there one day...

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  5. Lovely house. I've read some of Angawi's comments on the new construction in Mecca and I agree with him completely. One article has him calling the clock tower stupid. Given that there are traditional styles that are suitable why emulate London or Las Vegas? I think he is a voice crying in the wilderness. I find it odd that in a country where Western values are often needlessly criticized, the one place that they are importing them wholesale is in Mecca.

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    1. Jerry - I also agree with Angawi about what has happened in Mecca. I think much of the construction has been ill advised. That clock tower is a prime example of how confounding many things can be here in this confusing place.

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    2. in All case I think we don't make quick judjment as we can judje a book only by the chapter we are on...lets see makkah with his all backtofuture urban project

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  6. Lovely house ! mashaAllah

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  7. Amazing house!!
    Love the style, and that pool, WOW

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  8. Absolutely beautiful! I love the light and nature within the home. I always wondered how the bedu could move from open spaces, to the walled-in prisons which are the modern homes. This gives me a feeling of openess and peace.

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  9. Dear Mrs Susie,
    very nice pix .
    could you please provide me the location or address. to visit this.
    thnx
    regards
    Kashan

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  10. Millionaire house... have money, can built and decorate as they wish. Live life to the fullest as if we will live forever and pray to Allah all the time as if we will die tomorrow.

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  11. Nice millionaire house. Have money can built and decorate as we like. Live life to the fullest as if we will live forever. Pray to Allah all the time as if we will die tomorrow.

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  12. How do we visit this house? Do we need to take an appointment? I have a foreign government delegation schedule to arrive in Jeddah shortly. Could you please help us with the contact details of the concern person so that a tour could be arranged.
    Thank you

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    1. Fareed - Email me with your contact information at: susieofarabia@gmail.com

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  13. your pool looks like it has a rug in it

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  14. Amazing place. I'd love to visit Jeddah just for this.

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  15. the pictures are amazing and astonishing. I would definitely love to visit this house soon.

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  16. these images are amazing and astonishing. Architecture depicts the real beauty. I would definitely love to visit this house.

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  17. Looks like Versace's house in FL

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